The NG Times Newspaper

Community Food Share (CFS) and House of Lazarus (HOL) are once again teaming up with Winchester BMR to make homes a little warmer this Winter.

In 2017, the trio joined forces to deliver 180 single-window insulation kits and 58 multi-window insulation kits to Dundas County’s vulnerable sector through Project Warmth, and 10 one-ton loads of Eco-Energy Logs through Heat for the Holidays. This year, the group is hoping to do more.

“The response to these programs last Winter was overwhelming,” HOL executive director Cathy Ashby said. “The need is clearly there and, with that in mind, we have ordered accordingly.”

Distribution of the heating aids are made possible through partnerships with community agencies, including local food banks, Eastern Champlain Health Link, Canadian Mental Health Association, and Community Living Dundas County. Funding for the programs comes from multiple sources, beginning with Winchester BMR sponsorship and ending with community donations, coupled with HOL and CFS outreach dollars.

“I was one of the six people delivering wood during last year’s Heat for the Holidays program,” Linking Hands co-ordinator, Sandy Casselman, said. “With every house we delivered to, I could see the clear need for assistance. Many residents were using blankets to close off parts of their home in an effort to conserve heat. In fact, we’ve heard from more than one family who has spent the winter without heat, forced to wear their outdoor coats, hats, and mitts indoors. This should not be happening. No one should have to live this way.”

Without donations, the majority of the bill lands at the feet of HOL and CFS.

“We’re hoping when people, businesses, and community groups make their seasonal donation decisions this year, that they will consider donating to one or both of these programs,” Sandy said. “Any and all donations will be gratefully accepted.”

A $20 donation will provide window insulation kits for three families, while a $63 donation will supply a week’s worth of Eco-Energy Logs, and a $252 donation will supply a month’s worth of Eco-Energy Logs to a family in need this winter. Donations can be made at any of the following locations, please call for more information: House of Lazarus (613-989-3830), Community Food Share (613-898-0781), and Winchester BMR (613-774-2700). HOL and CFS can give charitable receipts for your donations.

For more on this and other House of Lazarus programs, visit www.houseoflazarus.com, or email scassel-man@houseoflazarus.com.

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